James Kenneth Courbat was born in Waverly, Iowa, on September 7, 1954, son of Kenneth and Della Mae (Colburn) Courbat. Jim grew up in Hudson where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1973. After high school, Jim worked a variety of jobs from farming to construction, then worked for John Deere and later for Regal Plastics.

He was married to Tammy Strempke in 1986 and they later divorced. In May of 1990, Jim enlisted in the United States Army serving his country in the Gulf War. He was honorably discharged and returned home two weeks before the birth of his daughter, Lindsy.

Jim enjoyed cards, tinkering in the garage and carpentry. He loved watching the Chicago Bears play football and sharing coffee with his friends at Pronto. Most of all, Jim loved his family, especially his daughter and granddaughter, Kenadie.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Lindsy (Austin Graham) of Evansdale; three brothers: Frank (Reda) Courbat of Fairbank, Nick Courbat of Waterloo, and Doug Courbat of Aurora, CO; two sisters, Nancy (Barry) Lefstad of Vinton, and Teresa (Gary) Scharnhorst of Hudson; his granddaughter, Kenadie; and another grandchild on the way.